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Stealth Maritime MR collides with US Navy destroyer

Ten men reported to be missing and five injured following incident off Singapore.

A MR tanker owned by Greek owner Stealth Maritime has been in collision with a US Navy destroyer off Singapore.

This is the second accident involving US Navy destroyers colliding with commercial ships in Asian waters in little more than two months.

The latest incident occurred early Monday morning and involved the USS John S McCain and the 50,800-dwt Alnic MC (built 2008) while both ships were underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

The US Navy said 10 of its sailors are missing, while a further five have been injured. Initial reports indicate that the John S McCain sustained damage to her port side aft.

The Liberian-flagged Alnic MC sustained damage to her fore peak tank seven metres above the waterline, with no crew injuries.

Both ships are currently sailing under its own power and heading to port. Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities.

In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, Republic of Singapore Navy Fearless-class patrol ships RSS Gallant, RSS Resilience, RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark are currently in the area to render assistance.

“There is no report of oil pollution and traffic in the Singapore Strait is unaffected. We are investigating the incident,” Singapore’s Maritime Port Authority (MPA) said in a statement.

The US Navy vessel is named after the father and grandfather of US Republican Senator John McCain, who were both admirals in the US Navy.

“Cindy & I are keeping America’s sailors aboard the USS John S McCain in our prayers tonight – appreciate the work of search & rescue crews,” McCain said on Twitter.

Last week the US Navy said it had removed the two senior officers and the senior enlisted sailor on a US warship that collided with the 2,858-teu ACX Crystal (built 2008) in June.